“Our mission is to make quality pain relief accessible to everyone,” said Dr. Andrew Will, founder and Medical Director of Twin Cities Pain Clinic. “By expanding our network of ambulatory surgery centers, we’re bringing our unique blend of expertise, compassion, and advanced pain management procedures closer to home for a much larger portion of the Twin Cities population.”

So, what can you expect at the Maplewood surgery center?

• Chronic pain focus: This surgery center was purpose built specifically to treat complex chronic pain cases.
• Increased convenience: Our new facility offers shorter travel times and easier access to care for many Minnesota residents.
• Advanced technology: We use the most cutting-edge equipment and techniques to provide the most current and effective pain management treatments available.
• Enhanced experience: A modern design, open spaces, and comfortable amenities offer patients a streamlined and pleasant care environment.

You can learn all there is to know about our new Maplewood surgery center by clicking the following link: https://tcpain.co/MWsurgery

At Twin Cities Pain Clinic, our mission is to provide our patients and community with the most breakthrough treatments to improve overall health and wellness. The opening of our new surgery center in Maplewood is a significant and meaningful part of our commitment to helping our patients acheive joyful, fulfilling lives with less pain.

Twin Cities Pain Clinic is proud to introduce the newest member of our provider team, Madeline Carlson, PA-C! Madeline is an exceptionally skilled, board certified physician assistant who will be seeing patients at our clinic in Woodbury, MN.

A bit about Madeline

On her way to becoming an expert provider of pain management care, Madeline attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in biology. She then remained in Duluth and earned her master of science degree in physician assistant studies from the College of St. Scholastica.

Madeline is board certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and her clinical interests include interventional pain management with an emphasis on spinal cord stimulation therapy.

Outside the clinic, Madeline enjoys traveling, hiking, downhill skiing, painting, and spending time with her family and friends along Minnesota’s beautiful north shore.

Madeline’s care philosophy

“My philosophy is to provide compassionate, comprehensive care by actively listening to my patients and offering them all the options they need to live the life they desire.”

Welcome to Twin Cities Pain Clinic

We could not be more excited to welcome Madeline to the Twin Cities Pain Clinic team and look forward to seeing her use her skills and knowledge to provide patients with exceptional pain management care.

Learn more about Madeline>>

Have you ever heard someone predict a change in the weather because they could “feel it in their bones”? Well, it turns out this phenomenon is a real thing. Maybe you even experienced it yourself when cold weather moves in.

However, there are a couple common misconceptions about this situation. First, it is not your bones you are feeling (usually), but your joints. Second, it is often more than “just a feeling.” It can actually be quite painful.

There is still debate among experts as to why cold temperatures cause pain. In this blog we will review the most widely accepted explanations, as well as a few tips to help relieve the pain.

Why does cold cause joint pain?

Changes in barometric pressure

In simple terms, barometric pressure refers to the weight of air molecules pushing down on us. Also called atmospheric pressure, it tends to change as the temperature changes. As a cold front approaches, the dense, cold air pushes the warm, lighter in front of it air upward, causing the barometric pressure to temporarily drop. The decrease in pressure allows the tissues in your body to expand. This expansion can compress your joints, making it painful to move and flex them.

Thickening of joint fluid

Each joint in your body contains a substance called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid helps absorb shocks and lubricate joints, allowing them to function smoothly.

Some researchers believe that cold weather can cause synovial fluid to thicken, like water turns into slush and ice. When the fluid thickens, it is not able to move as freely within the joint. As a result, the joint has to strain harder to move, causing pain and reduced mobility.

Lack of physical activity

Regular activity and exercise are some of the best ways to reduce joint pain. However, many people tend to stay indoors and be less active when it gets cold.

Lack of physical activity can cause weakening of the muscles and bones. When this happens, your joints have a harder time moving because they rely on your muscles and bones to function. As your joints struggle harder, they may experience accelerated wear and inflammation.

Emotional changes

Colder days and longer nights can have a very real affect on your mood. Some people just experience a brief case of anxiety called “the winter blues.” Others may end up suffering from seasonal affective disorder, which is a form of clinical depression.

Studies have shown that your body’s chemical response to anxiety or depression may also increase sensitivity to pain. As a result, feeling depressed when it’s cold out can amplify your joint pain.

Additionally, you are less likely to want to get up and do things when you are in a sad or depressed mood. The more you sit around with nothing to distract you, the more likely you are to focus on your pain, intensifying your symptoms still further.

How to prevent joint pain when it’s cold

If you are among the many people whose joints freeze up and hurt when it gets cold out, you have some options to help find relief.

Stay warm

We’re talking about joint pain when it’s cold out, so naturally the first thing you should do is stay warm.

If you are staying in the house, consider the following tips:

• Move around – Physical activity keeps your blood flowing around your body, keeping you warmer.
• Use a blanket – You can’t move forever of course. When you’re taking it easy, draping a blanket over your body keeps the heat in.
• Control your climate – Keep the furnace in your home set to a comfortable temperature.
• Wear layers – It’s not summer anymore. Throw a sweater on over your t-shirt and wear some sweatpants, possibly with leggings or long underwear beneath.
• Don’t go barefoot – Your extremities are the first thing to lose heat when you get cold, so don’t leave your feet exposed. Wear a pair of slippers or some comfy wool socks around the house.

If you go outside in the cold:

• Dress appropriately – Wear multiple layers and minimize the amount of your skin that is exposed to the cold.
• Wear a wind/waterproof jacket – Your body loses heat significantly faster when it is wet and/or windy, so wear a jacket that is windproof and waterproof if it is raining or snowing.
• Wear a hat – Though the old tale that you lose 80% of your body heat through your head is a myth, heat still definitely escapes through your head if exposed. Wearing a hat blocks off one more escape route for your precious body heat.

Stay active

Do what you can to keep yourself moving and getting exercise. It can be easy to get lethargic during winter. But physical activity helps to reduce joint pain and keep them flexible.

Activity and exercise also keep your muscles and bones strong, allowing them to better support your body and making it easier for your joints to do their job. This will help keep your joints from wearing down, preventing the onset of pain.

If the weather allows, bundle up and go for a walk. You’ll get your exercise while also enjoying some fresh air and avoiding the cabin fever that can sometimes set in when the thermometer drops.

Even if it is too cold to get outside, there are plenty of exercises you can do in your own home to keep up your strength. Try low-impact activities such as yoga, Pilates, stretching, strength training with light weights or just your own body weight, and core workouts.

Stay hydrated

Even though you tend not to sweat as much in winter, drinking an adequate amount of water is a year-round task. Water keeps your joints lubricated and flushes out toxins that can cause inflammation.

But as you become dehydrated, your body will pull water from anywhere it can and redistribute it to the most important areas. Joint cartilage contains a lot of water and is one of the first body parts to have it taken away. When this happens, your joints can’t move as easily and often stiffen up. Additionally, the sudden lack of water allows more toxins to remain, causing inflammation and further pain.

Make sure you’re always getting your recommended daily does of water, even when it’s cold!

Stay happy

As discussed, it’s easy to start feeling down when it gets cold. And when you start feeling down, your chronic pain often starts flaring up.

Surround yourself with family and friends often. Dive into a favorite hobby or find a brand new one!

Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get good sleep. Healthy lifestyle choices are not only essential for your physical wellbeing, but they work wonders for your emotional health as well.

Don’t let achy joints keep you from enjoying winter

Nobody can change the weather, but you can change your habits to better cope when the weather turns chilly. And while there is no guarantee that you will eliminate your pain entirely, at least you can manage your pain more effectively and enjoy the beauty of winter.

Joint pain relief at Twin Cities Pain Clinic

If you continue to deal with chronic joint pain issues, we can help. Schedule an appointment with the pain management experts at Twin Cities Pain Clinic and let us help you find lasting relief.

Call: 952-841-2345
Schedule an appointment online

The contents of this article are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before engaging in any action or decision-making based on the content of this article. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of the content of this article or any other content on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website. Reliance on any information conveyed on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website without direct consultation with a healthcare professional is solely at your own risk.

Sources

1. “Cold Weather and Body Ache: Cardio Metabolic Institute: Multi-Specialty Group.” Www.cminj.com, www.cminj.com/blog/cold-weather-and-body-ache
2. Davis, Susan. “Do We Lose Heat through Our Heads?” WebMD, www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/do-we-really-lose-most-of-our-heat-through-our-heads#:~:text=A%3A%20Lots%20of%20people%20believe
3. “It’s Cold Outside! Do Your Joints Hurt?” Www.uchicagomedicine.org, www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/prevention-and-screening-articles/its-cold-outside-do-your-joints-hurt
4. kconvery. “How Cold Weather Impacts Joint Pain.” Harvard Pilgrim Health Care – HaPi Guide, 26 Jan. 2022, www.harvardpilgrim.org/hapiguide/how-cold-weather-impacts-joint-pain
5. “OAA Orthopaedic Specialists | Trusted Orthopaedic Specialists in the Lehigh Valley.” Www.oaaortho.com, www.oaaortho.com/blog/does-cold-weather-really-make-your-joint-pain-worse
6. “The Effect of Cold Weather on Your Joints: Orthopaedic Institute of Henderson: Orthopedic Surgery, Arthroscopy, & Sports Medicine.” Www.oihnv.com, www.oihnv.com/blog/the-effect-of-cold-weather-on-your-joints

It is our great pleasure to introduce the sixth and newest member of the Twin Cities Pain Clinic physician team, Dr. Vincent Yaccarino! Dr. Yaccarino comes to us with an impressive educational resume and years of clinical experience in the field of pain medicine. He will be primarily practicing out of our Burnsville location, where he we will perform procedures in our surgery center and consult with patients at our clinic.

A bit about Dr. Yaccarino

The majority of Dr. Yaccarino’s educational journey took place in Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for his undergraduate studies, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science. He then received his Medical Doctorate (MD) degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, before returning to Madison to complete his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Only after all this did he make his way to Minnesota, where he completed his fellowship in interventional pain management at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Yaccarino is board certified in interventional pain management and is a diplomate with the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. His clinical interests include neuromodulation, spinal injections, and treating joint and extremity pain.

When he is not working, Dr. Yaccarino enjoys hiking, traveling, bowling, playing video games, and spending time with his family.

Welcome to Twin Cities Pain Clinic

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Yaccarino to the Twin Cities Pain Clinic team and look forward to seeing him use his skills and knowledge to provide our patients with exceptional pain management care.

Check out Dr. Yaccarino’s profile >>

What does fall mean to you? Gorgeous colors, the crisp, cool air, football, pumpkin spice everything? Whatever the case, there is one thing that pretty much everyone thinks about when autumn arrives – raking leaves.

Whatever your opinion on raking, one thing is certain: It is not a quick and easy task. Raking is an intensive physical activity, which means every time you do it, you run the risk of hurting something. But there are things you can do to reduce that risk. Here are some tips to stay safe and pain-free when you groom your yard this fall.

Dress for the weather

As Minnesotans, we know we should never make assumptions about the weather. But it’s usually on the lower end of the thermometer when raking season arrives, and it’s important that you dress accordingly to keep away the cold.

Cold temperatures cause muscles to lose heat, which in turn makes them contract easier and lose their range of motion. Muscles end up working harder under these conditions, which leads to increased soreness. So be sure to wear an extra layer or two to keep your body nice and toasty. Unless it’s one of those freak 80 degree days in mid-October. You may want to dress down a bit at that point.

Let’s not forget about wind chill, another thing Minnesotans know all about. While wind does not actually change the air temperature, it does affect your body temperature. Wind draws heat from your body when it contacts skin, which lowers your skin temperature and eventually your internal temperature, accelerating muscle tightness. If it’s windy out, be sure you wear long sleeves and full-length pant legs to cover any exposed skin. It will help keep away pain, and you’ll look the part!

Hydrate

This one kind of goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. Drink plenty of fluids!

Dehydration lowers your blood volume, which forces your heart to work harder to pump blood to your body. This makes any physical activity significantly more difficult and can lead to shortness of breath and painful tightness in your chest.

Second, hydrated muscles and joints work better. Hydrating fluids help flush toxins out of your muscles and lubricate joints, which can prevent inflammation and joint pain.

Whether it’s Gatorade or good old-fashioned water, drink hydrating fluids before, during and after you rake to stay at peak performance!

Warm up

Raking can be strenuous, and just like any other physical activity, giving your body a few minutes to warm up can go a long way in preventing cramps, strains, or pulled muscles. Warming up loosens your joints and improves blood flow to your muscles. This better prepares your body to cope with the stresses of yard work.

You don’t have to get fancy – some light stretching of the back and legs is a great way to start. Additionally, you can walk a couple of brisk laps around your yard to get that blood flowing. Raking is a full body exercise, so consider making your walk a POWER WALK to get those arms loosened up too.

Maintain good form

Your body is designed to move in specific ways and perform specific functions. Exerting your body in unusual ways can put undue strain on your muscles and joints, which can lead to pain. That’s why good form is the hallmark of any exercise or physical activity.

While raking, keep your knees slightly bent and reach/pull the rake with your arms, never with your back. When you’re ready to bag your leaves, bend at the knees to lower yourself and then lift back up using your legs.

Should you be overcome with a desire to leap into your leaf pile (and there is a good chance of that happening), consider doing so feet first. Leaves are sneaky, and a pile of them can look bigger and cushier than it really is. If you fall back-first into your leaf pile, you could fall right through onto the hard ground and hurt yourself. Always practice low-risk leaf leaping!

Choose the right tools

Obviously, you’re going to need some tools for this job. But if you want to come out of this adventure pain-free, make sure you get the RIGHT tools.

First, you’ll need a rake (imagine that). But these days there are so many kinds of rakes to choose from, which one is right for you? It’s all about deciding what your priorities are. Are you looking for lightweight and comfort? Or is affordability your main mission? Whatever the case, a bit of quick research should help you find the perfect rake to hang in your shed or garage. Click here for some initial ideas.

You should also consider a tool for picking up the leaves once they’re raked into neat piles. The last thing you want to do is bend over and using your hands to collect your leaves. That takes a long time and will put a significant amount of strain on your back. Some better options include:

• A snow shovel – This can help you pick up large quantities of leaves at a time, reducing the total time needed to complete cleanup. However, it becomes harder to pick up leaves the further down the pile you get.
• Hand rakes – These are like little rakes that you wear on your hands like gloves. You can scoop up larger amounts of leaves more effectively than with your bare hands, but you still need to bend over to scoop them up.
• Leaf grabber tool – This may be the ideal option, as it combines the benefits of the other tools. It is basically a large clamp that allows you to grab big scoops of leaves while remaining standing. Check out this example we found>>

Another helpful tool is a leaf blower. These can be especially helpful in moving your leaves into smaller, more manageable areas before raking them into neat piles. They are also good for moving leaves that have stacked up in hard-to-reach places, like the corners of fences or under swing sets.

Finally, consider getting a funnel insert for the leaf bags. These simple and inexpensive items are designed to prop open bags and stand them upright. They also include a large opening at the top to funnel all your leaves into the bag instead of letting half of them drop back to the ground. This helps you get more leaves into the bag with each scoop, reducing the amount of time needed to finish cleaning up your yard

With the right tools, you’ll breeze through your yard cleanup with plenty of time leftover for a celebratory cider!

Team up

Many hands make light work, so if you have the means, ask some friends or family to give you a helping hand. Even one extra rake on the job will cut your work in half. Less work means less strain on your body which means less of a chance you’ll injure yourself.

You may feel a sense of pride and accomplishment by raking your entire yard all by yourself, and rightfully so. But you’re also much more likely to feel back pain when you’re done. Do yourself a favor and get some help the next time you need to give your yard the ol’ fall cleaning.

The rewards of raking right

Love it or hate it, raking is one of those things that just has to be done when fall comes around.

Since you can’t avoid it, you might as well take a few extra moments to make sure you’re doing it right. That way, you can go inside when you’re done and enjoy a delicious cup of hot coffee or cocoa.

And honestly, doesn’t that sound so much better than an ice pack?

The contents of this article are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before engaging in any action or decision-making based on the content of this article. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of the content of this article or any other content on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website. Reliance on any information conveyed on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website without direct consultation with a healthcare professional is solely at your own risk.

Sources

1. Associates, Orthopedic. “Dehydration and Joint Pain: How Your Hydration Is Affecting Joint Health.” Orthopedic Associates, 12 June 2020, orthopedicassociates.org/dehydration-and-joint-pain-how-your-hydration-is-affecting-joint-health/#:~:text=Does%20Dehydration%20Cause%20Joint%20Pain.
2. “Does Being Cold Make Your Muscles Ache? Cold Weather Pain.” MedicineNet, www.medicinenet.com/does_being_cold_make_your_muscles_ache/article.htm. Accessed 17 Oct. 2022.
3. Mayo Clinic. “The Right Way to Warm up and Cool Down.” Mayo Clinic, 9 July 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20045517#:~:text=A%20warmup%20gradually%20revs%20up.

Scott Carlson is a man of action. An intelligent, driven individual who always seems to be on the move and getting things done. The kind of guy who can climb to great heights in life. But climbing high can mean a long fall if something like debilitating chronic pain knocks you off your feet.

The man on the move

When he was young, Scott’s family was not the type that stayed in one place for too long. His father was an engineer who worked in avionics, and he took several different jobs throughout the country. Scott was born in Iowa, then moved to Rochester, NY, then to Chicago. Finally, his family settled in Bloomington, MN, where he swam and ran track for Lincoln High School.

After high school, Scott attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, the oldest technical school in the country where only two out of three students graduate. But, like his father, Scott was gifted in technical applications and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. To take his education further still, Scott also earned a master’s degree in business from the University of St. Thomas in St Paul, Minnesota.

Scott’s first job after tech school took him back to his home state of Iowa, where he worked on specialized parts for engineering marvels like the space shuttle, the F-15 fighter, and the original B-1 bomber.

He eventually moved back to Minnesota and entered the medical field. Using his broad skillset, Scott started two medical companies in the 80’s, the second of which he and his family ran for nearly 40 years.

For good measure, Scott also served as a city council member for the city of Minnetrista, before eventually being elected mayor.

Scott also enjoys several hobbies when he’s not busy running his business or for office. He enjoys walking, gardening, and spending time on the lake. Golf is a particularly favorite past time of Scott’s, and it has been a source of calm and release for him since his thirties.

Yes, Scott is an accomplished man who stays busy. But chronic pain can come after anyone, regardless of how impressive they may be.

The man in pain

Back in the mid-90’s, Scott had to get a hip replacement procedure. While it was mildly uncomfortable, it did not have any serious impact on his life. He could still play golf, and everything was business as usual for a while. 12 years later, Scott needed to have a revision done on his hip because the socket had become dislocated. Once again, despite some mild irritation, the impact was minimal, and nothing out of the ordinary happened.

But then one day, years later, Scott began to notice a new sensation. He started experiencing pain in his groin when he walked. Soon, that pain began to radiate out to his hip and thigh. Before long, the pain grew severe enough to cause issues with his day-to-day life, preventing him from walking, making yard work difficult, and affecting his golf game.

It turns out that Scott had developed a case of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a chronic pain condition characterized by a persistent, often intense, burning pain that usually occurs in the extremities.

“I had experienced some discomfort for quite a while, but I could always handle it,” said Scott. “Eventually, though, the pain got to a point where I couldn’t ignore it anymore. There were days when I would be coming in from working in the yard and had to crawl up the steps back into my house because the pain got so bad. In early 2023, I went to Florida to visit some friends and had to walk with a cane. Then, when I couldn’t play golf anymore, the depressing truth of my situation really hit home. My life had become so sedentary, which is something I am not at all used to, and it started to mess with my body and my mind.”

The man on the rise

So now there was only one question in Scott’s mind – “what to do about all this”? Scott was looking for something effective and long-term. He had already undergone back surgery to help with some spasm issues. He also had several injections for his hip pain, but they did not have the affect he wanted. What he needed was something more permanent; something that would keep him out of the clinic and on the golf course.

Fortunately, Scott was in a unique situation. It turns out, he was already a patient at Twin Cities Pain Clinic, where he was receiving treatment for an unrelated case of polymyalgia rheumatica.

“I talked to my provider about the challenges I had been facing and asked if they had any recommendations for less invasive ways to treat my leg and hip pain,” Scott recalls. “Luckily for me, they had just the thing.”

Scott was prescribed a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) spinal cord stimulator. Like traditional spinal cord stimulators, a DRG device uses small doses of electricity to “stimulate” nerves in the spine, masking pain signals and reducing pain. However, unlike traditional spinal cord stimulators, which generally treat pain in the back and neck, the DRG device is specially designed to treat pain in the extremities.

“This DRG stimulator sounded like the perfect option for me,” Scott said. “It doesn’t require any pain medications and I would get the chance to trial it first, to make sure it worked for me. Best of all, it was a minimally invasive procedure, which meant the recovery timeline was measured in weeks, not months.”

Scott went ahead with the DRG trial and was shocked to experience around 90% pain relief! He quickly realized that this was exactly the game-changing treatment he needed and chose to proceed with the DRG implant.

A few days after the implant procedure, Scott returned to the clinic to have his device turned on and programmed. From that moment on, Scott was a new person.

The man with a plan

Since his implant, Scott has been back in action and experiencing the joys of life with less pain. He can walk for miles now, instead of just down the street like before. And of course, he is back out on the golf course. Though he admits he still needs a bit of work to get back to where he was, Scott now has the time and the means to find his form again. He also plans to start cutting back on work, opening the door to a whole host of other hobbies and activities that he can pursue without pain.

“This device has changed my life,” Scott exclaimed. “It has worked beyond my expectations, and I couldn’t be more grateful to the team at Twin Cities Pain Clinic for opening my eyes to this miraculous treatment.”

We are thrilled to announce that Twin Cities Pain Clinic and Twin Cities Surgery Center have each won GOLD in the 2024 Star Tribune’s Minnesota’s Best awards program! This marks the third win for Twin Cities Pain Clinic in the last four years, while Twin Cities Surgery Center has gone undefeated in that time. There were many other very strong and worthy candidates in each category, but when the votes were counted, our team came out on top!

The best pain clinic in Minnesota

This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care and the most innovative treatments. To our patients – We are incredibly grateful to you for choosing us to be your care partners and for sharing your stories of how our treatments have improved your lives. Your support means the world to us.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our extraordinary staff. Your passion, expertise, and dedication are the driving force behind our success. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of countless individuals living with pain.

“It is a true honor to receive these awards,” said Dr. Andrew Will, founder and medical director of Twin Cities Pain Clinic. “This recognition fuels our determination to continue pushing the boundaries of pain management. We dedicate ourselves to staying at the forefront of innovative pain treatments and therapies, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care. Thank you again for making Twin Cities Pain Clinic your trusted partner in pain relief. It is an honor and privilege to be your choice and we are proud to earn the title of best pain clinic.”

More about Minnesota’s best pain clinic

You can view the winner listings and learn more about the contest at the below links:

Pain clinic: https://www.votedminnesotasbest.com/listing/2024/pain-clinic

Surgery Center: https://www.votedminnesotasbest.com/listing/2024/surgery-center

At Twin Cities Pain Clinic, we understand chronic pain and the detriment it can cause. That is why we tirelessly seek to provide the most innovative treatments while offering a truly exceptional patient experience, so that everyone who walks through our door can experience hope for a renewed life with less pain.

Knowing whether your pain is acute or chronic will help determine the proper course of treatment. So, let’s review the difference between acute pain and chronic pain.

Acute pain

Acute pain is by far the more common of the two. Most people experience acute pain almost every day. Maybe it’s a paper cut or a cramp. Or, perhaps you have broken a bone or strained a muscle. Though the cause and intensity can vary, the defining characteristic of acute pain is that it is relatively short-lived.

More specifically, acute pain goes away within three months of onset. Additionally, acute pain usually has an obvious cause, like an injury, illness, or surgical procedure. Sometimes, acute pain is mild and goes away in just a few seconds or minutes, like with a stubbed toe. Other times it can be very painful and may take days or weeks to go away, like after surgery. But eventually, the pain resolves as the tissue heals.

Most acute pain will go away with basic self-care. For example, if you bruise your elbow, apply ice to reduce swelling and stay off your feet until the pain subsides. However, some issues and injuries can be more severe and may require medical treatment. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing acute pain that is causing you concern.

Chronic Pain

Most pain generally stops on its own with time and treatment. But, sometimes pain persists or even grows worse and reoccurs over time, outlasting the usual healing process. If the pain continues for three months or more after onset, it becomes chronic.

Chronic pain is far more complicated than acute pain. It is not always clear what is causing chronic pain, making it more difficult to diagnose and treat. It can cause significant psychological and emotional trauma and often limits an individual’s ability to function. Chronic pain usually can’t be treated with home remedies and most cases require medical treatment. Even with treatment, many chronic pain conditions do not have an actual cure. In these instances, pain management specialists aim to provide as much relief to the patient as possible.

How chronic pain is treated depends on the cause and previous treatment history. Sometimes, chronic pain can be managed with conservative options like medications or physical therapy. In other cases, there are a variety of injections that can offer excellent results.

If your condition is severe enough or conservative options do not provide adequate relief, an implantable device may be prescribed. An intrathecal pump or spinal cord stimulation therapy can treat a wide variety of chronic pain conditions and provide years of effective pain relief without the need for oral pain medications.

Pain treatment at Twin Cities Pain Clinic

Treating pain is what we do. It’s right there in our name, and we’re pretty good at it. Whether you’re suffering from acute or chronic pain, our friendly and experienced team can help you find relief. Schedule an appointment today and achieve the quality of life you deserve.

Make an Appointment

Meet The Team

Clinic Locations

The contents of this article are intended for informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before engaging in any action or decision-making based on the content of this article. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of the content of this article or any other content on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website. Reliance on any information conveyed on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website without direct consultation with a healthcare professional is solely at your own risk.